COLUMBUS — With more than 6,500 work zone crashes in Ohio last year and increasing numbers this year, the Ohio Department of Transportation is collaborating with the Ohio State Highway Patrol to make work zones safer.

Enforcing traffic laws from the ground can be a challenge inside work zones, so state troopers will be taking to the sky. ODOT and the OSHP Aviation Section have identified nearly a dozen locations where troopers will target crash-causing violations like speed, following too close and failure to move over. These locations were selected due to a history of crashes, higher speeds and the type of barrier used to separate traffic from workers.

“This year, we have seen an alarming spike in crashes on our roadways and construction zones,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “It’s important that we implement partnerships and technology like this to decrease roadway crashes, ensuring both motorists and construction employees make it home safely.”

There were 6,553 work zone-related crashes in Ohio last year. As of Sept. 21, there have been 3,145 work zone-related crashes in Ohio this year.

“Driving requires your full attention, especially in work zones. ALl the safety measures we put into place don’t matter if drivers never see them because their attention is elsewhere,” ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks said.

OSHP routinely enforces speed violations from the air across the state. Speed is measured by a pilot who times how long it takes a vehicle to pass between a series of lines painted on the roadway. The violation time and speed information is then relayed to a trooper on the ground who makes the traffic stop.

“Work zone crashes are preventable if drivers slow down, increase following distance and most importantly pay attention,” Colonel Richard Fambro, superintendent of the OSHP, said. “We continue to support work zone safety and make our presence known in an effort to provide a safe environment for our roadway workers.”

Signs posted along the highway will alert drivers about the increased enforcement efforts.

The pilot project will be evaluated and based on results could be expanded next year.